At this moment, Aunt Marsi’s voice came from outside.
"Jenna, why are you outside? Come in and get some rest."
"Mom, I’m fine," Jenna’s somewhat helpless voice also came from outside.
"How can that be? Come, come inside quickly."
The creaking sound of a door opening was heard, and then Aunt Marsi came in, escorting Jenna.
She quickly noticed Siegert, and her expression changed immediately.
"You brat! How dare you let your wife stand outside holding a broom... Oh my! Alka? You’re back."
Aunt Marsi looked at Alka, surprised, walked over, and then embraced him tightly.
"You didn’t wait for Auntie the last time you were here. I saw the grave next to your mother’s. You must have faced many hardships outside. It’s so good to see you back safe..."
Words poured out from Aunt Marsi’s mouth. Alka didn’t resist but listened with a smile.
Then he comforted her, "It’s okay, Auntie. I’m doing well now, and everything’s going fine out there."
Hearing this, Marsi looked at Alka’s current appearance, scanning him up and down before nodding. Then she got up and said, "You all chat while I go make dinner for you. Thank goodness a delivery arrived yesterday, or I wouldn’t have had anything to serve you."
With that, Aunt Marsi went to the kitchen. Jenna, who was nearby and about to help, was quickly shooed away by Aunt Marsi, as she was an expectant mother now.
Jenna had to sit beside the two of them, while Siegert could only give her a helpless look.
And so, they chatted idly until evening.
Aunt Marsi’s husband, Boka, also completed his day’s labor and returned home. He was extremely delighted to see Alka and embraced him warmly. They talked until the dishes were served on the table.
"How long do you plan to stay this time?" Boka asked, looking up while eating.
Hearing this, Alka quickly replied, "I have to leave tomorrow morning."
"In such a hurry? Can’t you stay a bit longer?" Aunt Marsi asked from beside him.
Alka shook his head, a hint of apology on his face. "My teammates are waiting for me," he said.
"Maybe next time you can bring your teammates along," Boka suggested from the table.
Aunt Marsi also nodded in agreement.
Alka opened his mouth but didn’t know what to say.
Seeing Alka’s expression, Siegert gave him a look and then said, "Mom, don’t make it hard for Alka. Once he leaves this time, he may not come back." Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on novel·fire·net
"What do you mean?" Aunt Marsi asked, standing up agitatedly.
Boka also looked over, watching Alka with an inquiring gaze.
Alka said, "After I leave this time, I will be leaving the Homeland Sea, and it will be difficult to return."
"Leaving the Homeland Sea..." Boka murmured, seemingly understanding something.
Aunt Marsi was shocked. She didn’t understand what leaving the Homeland Sea meant. In her worldview, the Homeland Sea was the entire world.
Just as she was about to ask further, Uncle Boka’s voice came from the side. "Marsi!" he exclaimed, then shook his head slightly at Aunt Marsi, who had turned her head, his expression somewhat serious.
Seeing her husband’s serious expression, Aunt Marsi, who was usually somewhat assertive, closed her mouth and sat back down.
Alka seemed to understand something from their exchange. As expected of Home Island, he thought. Uncle Boka clearly knows a few things.
Next came Aunt Marsi’s tearful barrage.
For a moment, Alka didn’t know how to comfort her.
"After leaving... make sure to take good care of yourself. Don’t take risks, or do anything too dangerous..."
Facing Aunt Marsi’s words, filled with admonishments amidst her sobs, Alka silently nodded.
Faced with Aunt Marsi’s slightly long-winded advice and various words of concern, Alka didn’t feel annoyed. Instead, he smiled and listened quietly, nodding from time to time.
Even Boka and Siegert joined in. From some of Boka’s words, it was clear he had some understanding of the outside world. He wasn’t completely unaware.
Despite this, Aunt Marsi showed no intention of dissuading Alka, only hoping he would be safe outside and be able to return. After all, it was Alka’s own decision.
They continued talking until the meal was over and everyone was full. By then, darkness had completely fallen outside. As Alka looked out at the night, he took out his Dream Catcher.